Greenwashing

Greenwashing is whitewashing with a green brush. It occurs when a company spends more time and money claiming to be green than it does implementing green business practices. At best, companies make green claims to sell stuff. At worst, it can encourage people to do the opposite of what's good for the environment. It also means that consumers don't know what to believe.

Symbols are useful. Look for the recycling symbol or green certification symbols like Energy Star, Green Seal, EPEAT, and WaterSense. See the Product Guides/Certifications page for more resources related to ecolabels.

These web pages connect you to FTC resources on energy labeling for consumer products, retail sales of electricity, environmental marketing claims, insulation and home energy issues, and fuel and automotive products.